A scan of Great Lakes' research centres
A new scan published in the Journal of Great Lakes Research offers a look into the ingredients for success among academic and non-governmental water research centres focused on the Laurentian Great Lakes. Led by Professor Michael Twiss, Department of Biology at Algoma University, the study analyzed 22 centres across the region, based on interviews with the directors of these centres and institutes, including the University of Waterloo’s Water Institute, to uncover patterns in governance, funding, outreach, and long-term sustainability.
With 90 per cent of Great Lakes residents believing it’s important to protect water quality and ecosystem health, research centres play a critical role in supporting public trust, informing decision-making and shaping restoration efforts. But how do these centres operate effectively over the long term, and what can new or evolving centres learn from their success?
Twiss’ findings reveal that despite differences in size, scope and funding, all water centres are viewed favourably by their communities and institutions. A strong connection to place and public service was a common thread: many centres are located near historically polluted Areas of Concern and contribute to ongoing remediation, education and community engagement efforts.
Multidisciplinary collaboration emerged as a key advantage and success factor. Many centres bring together researchers from environmental science, engineering, public policy, economics, and beyond—fostering innovation and developing solutions that reflect the complexity of freshwater issues. Centres often act as conveners across disciplines and sectors, offering platforms for collaborative research, experiential learning, and real-world impact. This integrative approach not only supports better science and decision-making but also helps attract diverse talent, research funding and partnership opportunities.
The value of these centres to their host universities is significant. Beyond enhancing the institution’s research profile, water centres contribute to graduate training, support faculty engagement, and boost public visibility through outreach and media engagement. Some centres operate research vessels, field stations and community-based programs that offer students hands-on experience while strengthening the university’s ties to the region. As Twiss notes, even the smallest centres make strategic use of communications and outreach to elevate their visibility and amplify their impact in environmental governance, outreach, and education.
The study also found that successful centres tend to have one thing in common: champions. From visionary founders to supportive university administrators, strong leadership was instrumental in helping centres launch, grow and adapt. But sustainability also requires thoughtful succession planning and flexible governance models that support cross-disciplinary engagement and long-term strategic goals.
For institutions looking to establish or evolve a water research centre, this scan provides an important roadmap. As the demand for Great Lakes science continues to grow, the region’s water centres like the Water Institute are well positioned to lead the way in shaping a healthier, more informed future.
Read the full article: Insight into successful research impacts: An environmental scan of academic and non-governmental institutes focused on the Laurentian Great Lakes ecosystem.